What is so special about Lake Merwin? My friends and I all love to take our kids there. Though most of my friends are bringing their families from nearby Woodland, Yacolt and La Center, I relish the occasional trek from downtown Vancouver to clear my head and let my kids run and play in the crystal clear lake.

Lake Merwin is a reservoir on the East Fork of the Lewis River. The lake is cool and clear even on the most scorching of summer days Vancouver seems to be suffering lately, and worth paying a visit in the cool days as well.

Merwin Park, at the west end of the Merwin reservoir, is open year round for swimming, boarding, fishing and general hanging about. The park can accommodate big groups of people, with 250 parking spots and 135 picnic tables. Merwin Park is especially family friendly, with a playground, clean and spacious restrooms, and hiking trails. Speelyai Bay Park at the east end is also open for day use year round. Smaller but equally as beautiful as Merwin Park, Speelyai offers a busy two-lane boat ramp, another 250 parking spots, but only 25 picnic tables.

Cresap Bay campground, east of Speelyai Bay Park, is open the Friday before Memorial Day and closed September 30. So consider making campsite reservations now for the busy time. Reservations can be made up to nine months in advance, and considering the increasing pull of the East Fork, it’s a good idea to be planning ahead. Cresap Bay Campground has a swimming beach, 56 overnight campsites and a group camping facility with 15 sites, a covered shelter and a fireplace. A two-lane boat ramp and 23-slip marina are available to overnight guests.

While you won’t be able to camp at Lake Merwin yet, take a day trip to two to this spectacular portion of the Upper Lewis River during one of our many beautiful spring days.

Green is the color of growth and new life…and the North Bank is certainly bursting with an abundance of green-minded businesses that care about our local environment and that are doing everything they can to conserve our region's abundant resources. This is what those businesses are discovering: green isn't just good; it's also profitable. The Vancouver Business Journal wants to celebrate green businesses and raise awareness about their vital roles in our community.

With that in mind, the VBJ invites you to attend the 2014 Green Business Showcase and Reception from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16, at the historic Fort Vancouver Artillery Barracks. Attendees will learn about what businesses are doing to become greener, how they're creating a healthy work environment for employees, and the ways they're giving back to their communities. The Clark County Green Business Program will also recognize participants that have completed all the requirements to be verified as green businesses.

The cost is $10 per person and includes hors d'oeuvres. To get your tickets, click here.